Animal toy

ABSTRACT

An animal toy includes an elongated body portion having a first end and a second end, a first wheel disposed adjacent the first end, a second wheel disposed adjacent the second end, at least one electric motor configured to drive the first wheel and the second wheel independently, a receiver configured to receive signals from a transmitter, and a controller programmed to control the electric motor and the rotational speed and direction of each of the first and second wheels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/285,921, filed Oct. 5, 2016, which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/237,005, filed Oct. 5, 2015, the contentsof each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an animal toy. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a motorized animal toythat can provide interactive play between the owner and the animal.

Background Information

A long-standing practice exists for providing toys for animals. Inparticular, many animals, such as dogs, enjoy chasing or retrievingvarious types of objects such as sticks, balls, flying discs, and thelike. Many breeds have an enhanced enjoyment in “playing fetch” in thatsuch activities have been bred into such lines. Retrievers, bird dogs orgun dogs have been bred to retrieve game foul, spaniels to flush birdsfrom the brush, and other such similar activities. Typically, suchbreeds can be entertained by retrieving a flying disc made from aplastic material.

SUMMARY

It has been found that a need exists for a toy that enables improvedretrieving or chasing games for an animal. In particular, it has beenfound that a need exists for a motorized animal toy that enables anyuser to play a continuous chase game with an animal without the ownergrowing tired. Moreover, a need exists to improve a functional dog toythat provides interactive play between the owner and their dog.

An animal toy comprises an elongated body portion, a first wheel, asecond wheel, at least one electric motor and a controller. Theelongated body portion has a first end and a second end. The first wheelis disposed adjacent the first end, the first wheel having an openingconfigured to enable access to an interior thereof. The second wheel isdisposed adjacent the second end, the second wheel having an openingconfigured to enable access to an interior thereof. The at least oneelectric motor is configured to drive the first wheel and the secondwheel independently. The controller is programmed to control the atleast one electric motor and the rotational speed and direction of eachof the first and second wheels.

In another aspect, an animal toy comprises an elongated body portion, afirst wheel, a second wheel, at least one electric motor, a receiver anda controller. The elongated body portion has a first end and a secondend. The first wheel is disposed adjacent the first end. The secondwheel is disposed adjacent the second end. The at least one electricmotor is configured to drive the first wheel and the second wheelindependently. The receiver is configured to receive signals from atransmitter. The controller is programmed to control the electric motorand the rotational speed and direction of each of the first and secondwheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a motorized animal toy according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the motorized animal toy ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of motorized animal toy of FIG. 1 with thecomponents covers removed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the gear system illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the gear system taken along lines5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the control system of the motorized animaltoy of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the control system of a motorized animaltoy according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that themotorized animal toy 10 improves fetch with an animal. Moreover, themotorized animal toy 10 can increase playtime due to the increasedmovement of the toy 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, preferably the motorized animal toy 10 is agenerally plastic or rubber toy. However, the motorized animal toy 10can be any suitable material. The motorized animal toy 10 can bedesigned to replicate a bone (or any other configuration) and be easy togrip for an animal.

The motorized animal toy 10 includes a body portion 12 and at least twowheels 14 and 16 (i.e., a first wheel 14 and a second wheel 16).Preferably the wheels are disposed on opposite ends (i.e., first end 18and second end 20) of the body portion 12. The body portion 12 can be anelongated body portion 12 that is generally cylindrical with each of theends having a slightly larger diameter than the central portion 22 ofthe body portion 12. However, is noted that the body portion 12 can haveany suitable configuration and the ends do not necessarily need to havea larger diameter than the central portion. The body portion 12 ispreferably a housing that has a first portion 24 and a second portion26. The first portion 24 can be detachable from the second portion 26 toenable access to the interior 28 of the body portion 12 and/or theinterior components housed with the body portion 12. The first andsecond portions 24 and 26 of the body portion 12 can be coupled togetherin any suitable manner (e.g., screws or in any other suitable manner).

The body portion 12 can include a protrusion 30 that extends radiallyoutwardly from the outer circumferential surface 12 a of the bodyportion 12. In one embodiment, the protrusion 30 can have a generallytrapezoidal configuration with the wider portion being adjacent to thecircumferential surface of the body portion 12. The protrusion 30 can beconfigured and sized to prohibit the body portion 12 from spinning whenthe wheels spin. Thus, the protrusion 30 is configured to facilitatemovement of the motorized animal toy 10.

The body portion 12 is generally constructed to be rugged and durablefor outdoor use, so as to be capable of driving or moving on varioussurfaces, such as grass other tough terrain. Moreover, the toy 10 iswater resistant or water proof so as to protect against dog slobber,rain or entry into water. In this embodiment, the body portion 12 can begenerally smooth or have any suitable texture thereon. However, in someembodiments, the body portion 12 can have ribs or grooves running in alongitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the ribs or grooves canextend entirely along the body portion 12 or have smooth areasseparating the grooves or ribs. In this embodiment, the smooth portionshave a radius that is less than the height of the ribs.

The wheels are generally disposed on either end of the body portion 12.That is, the first wheel is generally disposed on the first end and thesecond wheel is generally disposed on the second end. The first andsecond ends preferably have the same diameter, which is generally equalto or larger than the diameter of the body portion 12. Moreover, thefirst and second wheels generally have the same diameter which can belarger than the diameter of the first and second ends of the bodyportion 12. In one embodiment, the first and second wheels each includea plurality of openings 32. Each of the plurality of openings arepreferably configured to enable food to pass therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the first and second wheels includesan inner hub 34 member, an outer hub member 36, and a plurality ofaxially extending members 38 extending between the inner hub member 34and the outer hub member 26. The axially extending members 38 areadjacent to and spaced from each other so as to form the plurality ofopenings 32. Thus, as is understood, each of the plurality of openings32 is disposed between adjacent members of the plurality of axiallyextending members 38. In one embodiment, the axially extending members38 are generally U-shaped when viewed from the side. That, each of theaxially extending members 38 includes a first radially extending portion40, an axially extending portion 42 and a second radially extendingportion 44. The first radially extending portion 40 is attached to anouter circumferentially facing surface 34 a of the inner hub member 34and extends generally in outwardly radial direction. The first radiallyextending portion 40 curves as it transitions into the axially extendingportion 42, which can be arcuate. The axially extending portion 42generally extends in an axial direction relative to the inner hub member34 and the body portion 12 and in a direction away from the inner hubmember 34. The axially extending portion 42 curves as it transitionsinto the second radially extending portion 44. The second radiallyextending portion 44 is attached to an outer circumferentially facingsurface 36 a of the outer hub member 36 and extends generally inoutwardly radial direction. In one embodiment, the axially extendingmembers 38 have grooves 46 thereon. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, theaxially extending members 38 form the openings 32, such that theopenings 32 are longitudinal spaces between the inner and outer hubmembers 34 and 36.

The inner and outer hub members 34 and 36 are preferably disk shapedmembers. Moreover, the outer hub members 36 can have an opening 48disposed therein. It is noted that the inner and outer hub members 34and 36 can have any configuration desired, as long as they enablerotation of the wheels 14 and 16.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the interior 28 of the body portion 12 includesthe internal components for driving the toy 10. In one embodiment, theinternal components include a power source 50, a first motor 52, firstgear set or system 54, a first drive axel 56, a second motor, a secondgear set or system 60, a second drive axel 62, and a controller 64. Thepower source 50 can be any suitable power source 50 such as a battery ora plurality of batteries. Preferable, the device is powered using arechargeable battery with water resistant charging port. The first andsecond motors 52 and 54 are preferably electric motors and are coupledto the power source 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the first and second motors 52 and 54includes an output shaft 66 that is connected to a first gear 68 in arespective gear set. The output shaft 66 of each motor rotates causingthe first gear 68 to rotate, the first gear 68 in each gear set mesheswith another gear 70. Each gear set includes a plurality of gears (ofwhich, at least one can be a reduction gear 72) which ends with a secondgear 74 coupled to a respective drive axel. The drive axels are in turncoupled to the inner hub members.

The controller 64 can include a printed circuit board and is configuredto control the speed and direction of the motors 52 and 54. In oneembodiment, the controller 64 can randomly select a direction (clockwiseor counterclockwise) for each wheel and a speed of rotation. Thus, thetoy 10 can randomly move and turn to increase the enjoyment for the pet.The controller 64 can also have a preset or predetermined constant orvariable speed and wheel direction. For example, in one embodiment, thefirst and second wheels 14 and 16 can rotate in the same direction andat the same speed to move away at a high rate of speed from the animal.In other embodiments, the speed and direction of the wheels 14 and 16can enable the toy 10 to turn in a predetermined direction or follow apredetermined course or pattern.

The first and second wheels 14 and 16, in combination with the first andsecond motors 52 and 54 and the first and second gear sets 54 and 60 arepreferably capable of producing a large torque to enable the toy 10 tobe driven over rough terrain. Moreover, the first and second motors 52and 54 and first and second gear sets 54 and 60 enable independentcontrol of the first and second wheels 14 and 16. This configurationenables the toy 10 to have a simple tank control method for movement andsteering. That is, to move the toy 10 in a specific direction bothwheels 14 and 16 turn at the same rate. To turn the toy 10, one wheelmoves more slowly or in the opposite direction of the other wheel. Suchcontrol of the wheels 14 and 16 in performed by the controller 64. As isunderstood, the controller 64 can be programmed to randomly turn each ofthe wheels, or be programmed to move the toy 10 in a predeterminedmanner. This structure also enables the toy 10 to drive even if flippedover or dropped by the owner or animal. Moreover, the structure enablesan animal to easily grab the body portion 12.

In some embodiments, the wheels 14 and 16 have basically the same radiusas the ends 18 and 20 of the body portion 12—i.e., the portions of thebody portion 12 immediately adjacent the wheels. Additionally, ifdesired, the wheels 14 and 16 can be closed and have ribs thereon;however, ribs are not necessarily required. In this embodiment, thewheels are generally disk shaped and rotate relative to the body portion12. As discussed above, the wheels can rotate independently of eachother to enable steering of the toy 10.

In some embodiments, the wheels 14 and 16 can be generally sphericallyshaped, and have a radius that is larger than the ends 18 and 20 of thebody portion 12. Moreover, the wheels 14 and 16 can have spider webbedconfiguration with holes in the outer surface thereof. Thus, the wheels14 and 16 can be generally hollow with access to the hollow interior ofthe wheels 14 and 16 through one or more openings in the surface of thewheels 14 and 16. Such a configuration can enable the introduction oftreats inside of the wheels 14 and 16. The wheels 14 and 16 in thisembodiment are preferably rubber allowing for a durable, bouncystructure that enables easy grip and the capability of holding treats,other toys.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the toy 110 can beremote controlled. Thus, in one embodiment, the toy 110 includes firstand second motors 152 and 158 (or a single motor) that are connected tothe wheels and propels the toy 110, as described above. However, in thisembodiment, the toy 110 includes a transceiver 120 for communicatingwith a control device 122.

In this embodiment, the operation of the first and second motors 152 and158 can be controller 64 via control device 122. In one embodiment, thecontrol device 122 can be a remote control. Such a remote controlpreferable can have an extended range (e.g., 200 to 300 feet), and uses2.4 GHz. However, the remote control can be any suitable wireless orwired control device 122. In is noted that the toy 110 does notnecessarily need to be remote control and can merely operate using themotor in any desired manner.

The transreceiver (or receiver) 120 is capable of receiving transmitteda signal S from the control device 122 (i.e., a transmitter), and thecontroller 64 is programmed to control the first and second motors 152and 158 to vary the rotational speed and direction of each of the firstand second wheels 14 and 16 based on the transmitted signal S. That is,the control device 122 can transmit a signal S that instructs thecontroller 64 to operate the first and second motor to enable the firstand second wheels to rotate faster or slower or in opposite directionsor in any manner desired. As is understood, the signal S is received bythe transreceiver, which is in communication with the controller 64. Thecontroller 64 then controls the motor or motors 152 and 158 or anytransmission mechanism to operate the wheels 14 and 16 in the mannerintended by the transmitter.

Thus, the animal toy 110 described herein enables improved retrieving orchasing games for an animal. In particular, the animal toy 110 enablesany user to play a continuous chase game with an animal without theowner growing tired. Moreover, the animal toy 110 described hereinprovides interactive play between an owner and their animal or dog.

The power source and motors are conventional components that are wellknown in the art. Since power source and motors are well known in theart, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the components can be any type of structure thatcan be used to carry out the present invention.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “portion,” “member” or “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the aboveembodiments, directional terms refer to those directions of the AnimalToy. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the presentinvention should be interpreted relative to the Animal Toy.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “generally”, as used herein mean areasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal toy comprising: an elongated bodyportion having a first end and a second end; a first wheel disposedadjacent the first end, the first wheel having an opening configured toenable access to an interior thereof; a second wheel disposed adjacentthe second end, the second wheel having an opening configured to enableaccess to an interior thereof; at least one electric motor configured todrive the first wheel and the second wheel independently; and acontroller programmed to control the at least one electric motor and therotational speed and direction of each of the first and second wheels.2. The animal toy of claim 1, wherein the at least one electric motorincludes a first motor and a second motor, the first motor configured todrive the first wheel and the second motor configured to drive thesecond wheel.
 3. The animal toy of claim 2, wherein the first wheelincludes a rotating shaft and the rotating shaft is coupled to the firstmotor via reduction gear.
 4. The animal toy of claim 2, wherein thefirst and second motors are disposed within the elongated body portion.5. The animal toy of claim 1, wherein the opening in the first wheel ina one opening of a plurality of openings, and each of the plurality ofopenings being configured to enable food to pass therethrough.
 6. Theanimal toy of claim 5, wherein the first wheel includes a plurality ofaxially extending members, and each of the plurality of openings beingdisposed between adjacent members of the plurality of axially extendingmembers.
 7. The animal toy of claim 1, wherein the elongated bodyportion includes a protrusion configured to prevent rotation of theelongated body portion.
 8. An animal toy comprising: an elongated bodyportion having a first end and a second end; a first wheel disposedadjacent the first end; a second wheel disposed adjacent the second end;at least one electric motor configured to drive the first wheel and thesecond wheel independently; a receiver configured to receive signalsfrom a transmitter; and a controller programmed to control the electricmotor and the rotational speed and direction of each of the first andsecond wheels.
 9. The animal toy of claim 8, wherein the at least oneelectric motor includes a first motor and a second motor, the firstmotor configured to drive the first wheel and the second motorconfigured to drive the second wheel.
 10. The animal toy of claim 9,wherein the first wheel includes a rotating shaft and the rotating shaftis coupled to the first motor via reduction gear.
 11. The animal toy ofclaim 9, wherein the first and second motors are disposed within theelongated body portion.
 12. The animal toy of claim 8, wherein theopening in the first wheel in a one opening of a plurality of openings,and each of the plurality of openings being configured to enable food topass therethrough.
 13. The animal toy of claim 12, wherein the firstwheel includes a plurality of axially extending members, and each of theplurality of openings being disposed between adjacent members of theplurality of axially extending members.
 14. The animal toy of claim 8,wherein the elongated body portion includes a protrusion configured toprevent rotation of the elongated body portion.